I've worked for a couple of businesses where bullying, spitefulness and a generally unpleasant atmosphere were the norm and where it was clear from the outset that no one was happy and happiness in others was not to be tolerated.

I would describe myself as 'optimistic' rather than 'happy' but, in both cases, these businesses sucked the life out of me and the happiest days were when I left. Both times to my initial financial detriment.

Neither business is currently operating though, so no loss to me long term.

> happiness in others was not to be tolerated

This is something that worries me on occasion. Certainly very few would intentionally do it, but I fear there could be some alligator-brain crab bucket game going on in the subconscious where some team members will be inclined to "even out" any happiness deltas across the team.

I wonder how much this has to do with complaining.

In my experience - not all unproductive people are complainers - but almost all complainers are not productive.

The productive people are proactive and start making change rather than complain.

I haven't met a lot of unhappy proactive people.

I thought the study was saying you need to be happy first.

I never stated something else.